Director Marketing & Strategy Initiatives

At Food LionAssociates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion and in return we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing Strategy and Initiatives serves as a key enterprise leader responsible for setting Food Lions marketing vision and strategic direction. This role shapes how the brand shows up for customers by defining the integrated marketing strategy elevating brand relevance and ensuring all initiatives consistently support Food Lions purpose and growth ambitions. This leader develops consumerinsightdriven strategies maintains core brand foundations and delivers clear actionable briefs that guide creative media and crossfunctional partners. The role also ensures strong alignment with ADUSA priorities with expanded accountability across Healthy Sales Competitive Strategy Private Label brand development and eCommerce in addition to established Fresh and Center Store growth platforms. This position directly supports $690MM in revenue expansion in 2026 and plays a critical role in advancing Food Lions threeyear ambition to be #1 in the hearts and carts of the communities we serve. Success in this role strengthens brand differentiation accelerates commercial performance and ensures strategic discipline across the marketing organization.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the strategic development of Food Lions integrated marketing plan setting pillar/initiative priorities overseeing delivery of integrated activation plans for macro brand and for each pillar with detailed financial and performance KPIs and measurement.
• Provide strategic leadership and partner with merchants to achieve Fresh and Center Store category growth ambitions customizing in-store shopper and full-funnel programs accordingly
• Lead change and stand up Healthy Sales Competitive and eCommerce growth pillars
• Manage multiple Private Label Brands with comprehensive marketing programs (especially Food Lion Natures Promise Taste of Inspirations Cha Ching)
• Ensure that marketing peer deliverables are on strategy. Develop relationships with internal team partners essential to successful delivery of existing and new brand pillar initiatives (Dir Region & Community Dir Media & Planning Dir Brand Creative) as well as cross functional stake holders (Category Merchant ADUS Insights eCommerce operations)
• Engage with the Food Lion Marketing and FL Business Leadership Team to gain their support and participation in key activities. Provide strategic updates and progress regularly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coaching and development of high-performing talent

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of brand strategy positioning and strategic deployment of the marketing mix
• Seasoned knowledge of company (AD) business (FL) and retail industry practices.
• Strong orientation toward customer data and insight and translation thereof to compelling brand growth platforms
• Strong understanding and strategic deployment of omni-channel marketing mix elements
• Strong collaboration with key stakeholders including marketing peers operations and category functions
• Knowledge and understanding of ecommerce
• Ability to manage an internal team and create strong personal growth plans.
• Ability to build and manage consumer-facing brands

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep understanding and proven track record building brands and developing integrated marketing plans
• Brand strategist with deep understanding of and delivery against key brand equity criteria (memorable/attention catching meaning liking advantaged distinct salient)
• Proven ability to design strategies to drive competitive advantage
• Track record of accelerating growth within eCommerce
• Working knowledge of and development of customer insights (elevated from data and information)
• Ability to work well within a cross functional team environment
• Passionate advocate of Food Lion brand
• Strong attention to detail

EDUCATION

• Masters Degree (preferred)
• Bachelors Degree

EXPERIENCE

• 10 years experience developing and executing marketing campaigns
• 5 years experience leading others (direct or indirect)
• Experience within CPG building consumer-facing brands (desired)
• Experience leading and driving growth for eCommerce platforms (desired)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to build and lead teams through the development of strong working relationships and alliances within the company.
• Ability to lead teams to ensure strategic initiatives are met and KPIs are delivered.
• Ability to lead the development of direct reports through coaching and developmental feedback; ensures development plans are in place.
• Ability to present and lead conversations throughout all levels of the organization.
• Influence without authority

COMPETENCIES

• Deep knowledge of marketing mix
• Deep understanding of brand equity drivers
• Deep understanding and affinity for customer insights

TRAVEL

• Moderate: 30%

Food Lion provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related conditions) national origin age disability sexual orientation veteran status gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process please contact our Recruiting Department